The Epiphany of the Lord - C, 6th January 2019

LET US BE LIKE THE SHEPHERD AND MAGI WHO CAME TO ADORE JESUS

Today’s Gospel teaches us how Christ enriches those who bring him their hearts and offer their lives to Him. It reminds us that if God permitted the Magi – foreigners and pagans – to recognize and give Jesus proper respect as the King of Jews, we should know that there is nothing in our sinful lives that would keep God from bringing us to Jesus. There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Christ’s birth. The first group, headed by King Herod, tried to eliminate him, the second group, priests and scribes, ignored him, and the third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, came to adore him.

Let us make sure that we belong to the third group by actively worshiping Jesus at Mass with the gold of our love, the myrrh of our humility and the frankincense of our adoration. By giving a new direction to our lives. Just as the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, let us choose a better way of life, abstaining from proud, unjust and impure thoughts, evil habits and selfish behaviour. By becoming stars leading others to Jesus, as the star led the Magi to Jesus. Let us remove the darkness of the evil around us by radiating Jesus’ love through selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate care.